Chapter 31: Falling Bamboo LeavesBefore Zhang Xuan could stay troubled for long, he felt a faint airflow appear in the entire library.
Initially, it was like a gentle breeze by the river, just enough to lift the strands of hair by his temples. As time passed, the trees swayed, and the hem of his clothes fluttered, making him feel utterly refreshed.
"What is this... Heaven‘s Fate Energy? How could there be such a thing in the library?"
Zhang Xuan's eyes widened, doubting if he was sensing it wrong. Wasn't this extracted by the academy at a great cost, with the help of the Fate Plate and Nine Dragon Pillar? How could it appear here, and even seem to increase?
"Never mind... Maybe the Source World thinks I don't have enough Heaven‘s Fate Energy, so it’s supplementing some to help me create the Heaven's Path Divine Art!" Feeling elated, Zhang Xuan didn't dwell on it.
With a thought, the Library of Heaven's Path trembled lightly, and the surrounding Heaven‘s Fate Energy was devoured, lighting up books one by one, and storing them.
"It's a bit slow..."
After absorbing for a while, Zhang Xuan frowned. The amount of Heaven‘s Fate Energy floating in the library was far less than in White Rock Academy. At this rate, it would take several days to absorb tens of thousands of strands, making it impossible to complete in the time he had agreed upon with City Lord Yu.
He had promised to read for only an hour, and now there was less than fifteen minutes left. At this speed, he might not even absorb a hundred strands...
"No, I must speed up!"
Hesitating no longer, Zhang Xuan fully opened his pores and began to madly devour the floating and scattered Heaven‘s Fate Energy.
If he had been cautious earlier, now he was eagerly absorbing as fast as he could.
After all, with such a large library, a few strands of Heaven‘s Fate Energy missing shouldn't be noticeable.
Of course, he still had to keep up appearances.
Standing idly for too long would surely draw attention. He didn't want anyone to know that he could absorb Heaven‘s Fate Energy without opening a source pool, so maintaining a low profile was crucial.
Feeling pleased, Zhang Xuan pulled out the "Five Directions Origin Technique" and pretended to study and memorize it while his body continued to absorb energy. In the Library of Heaven's Path, lights flickered and books buzzed.
...
In the quiet room, Yu Longqing and Advisor Liao looked at the jade-green Spirit Source Bamboo before them.
To obtain this treasure, even as the city lord, Yu Longqing had spent countless resources and efforts. Such an item could be regarded as a family heirloom in any of the three major families.
He took it out now just to fulfill his daughter's wish and make her happy!
"City Lord, once the formation is activated, it cannot be stopped. Are you sure you want to use it?" Advisor Liao looked over again.
Yu Longqing smiled, "Why do you sound so nagging like a woman? Activate it for an hour, let Xiaoyu and Niece Yanxue better experience the Heaven‘s Fate Energy... How much can they possibly consume?"
"Understood!" Advisor Liao nodded, saying no more. He approached a crystal ball in the corner and gently stroked it. In the next moment, a gentle glow radiated, and countless strands of rampant source energy filled the main room.
Feeling the surging power, Yu Longqing took out a jade token and lightly traced it over the Spirit Source Bamboo. The rampant source energy immediately converged onto the bamboo, flowing through the roots and releasing from the leaves. Through the refining of this magical item and the formation, what was released was the same Heaven‘s Fate Energy that Zhang Xuan was absorbing.
One strand, two strands, three strands...
As the source energy was purified, the topmost dark green leaf gradually turned pale yellow, like it was swept by the autumn wind, and slowly withered.
"One leaf can purify approximately eight strands of source energy," Advisor Liao calculated.
Yu Longqing nodded, "As long as these eight strands are not fully absorbed, the formation will not continue to operate. For Xiaoyu and Niece Yanxue, it's just refining their bodies and comprehending Heaven‘s Fate Energy. One leaf is enough..."
Only now did Advisor Liao fully understand, and he bowed deeply, "City Lord, you are wise! Indeed, I was worrying unnecessarily..."
Before he could finish his flattery, he saw the formation, which had just stopped, suddenly start up again. Another leaf turned from dark green to withered yellow.
"Huh?" Advisor Liao was stunned.
Yu Longqing also showed a hint of surprise, "Did those two girls absorb the eight strands of Heaven‘s Fate Energy so quickly? How did they do that?"
How long had it been? Ten breaths? Twenty breaths?
Could it be that they couldn't resist and directly absorbed the Heaven‘s Fate Energy into their source pools? They shouldn't be that foolish!
Absorbing at the academy would allow them to measure their levels and choose better teachers. Absorbing here would only consolidate their source pools, losing other opportunities.
It was like taking an exam at home—at most, it consolidates knowledge, but no matter how well you do, it doesn't mean much. Only good results in the college entrance examination could truly change one's life.
Swish!
Before his doubts could be resolved, another leaf turned yellow and slowly fell from the branch.
"Another eight strands?" Unable to sit still, Yu Longqing stood up abruptly.
In less than a minute, they had absorbed sixteen strands of Heaven‘s Fate Energy. Could it be that his seemingly foolish daughter was actually a genius?
Frowning deeply, Yu Longqing couldn't help but speak, "Advisor Liao, you stay here and keep watch. I'll go see what's going on with those two girls."
"Understood..." Advisor Liao nodded. Just as he was about to say something, his eyes fell on the Spirit Source Bamboo again, and his face changed once more, "City Lord... another leaf has turned yellow!"
"This..." Yu Longqing couldn't help but sigh, "It seems these two girls are indeed very talented at absorbing Heaven‘s Fate Energy!"
"If... this continues, what should I do?" Advisor Liao couldn't help but ask.
Yu Longqing shook his head, "Their ability to absorb Heaven‘s Fate Energy this quickly indeed exceeded my expectations, but... 32 strands of Heaven‘s Fate Energy is already at the fourth grade, which should be their limit! The scenario you mentioned is absolutely impossible!"
"Uh..." Advisor Liao finally nodded. In the hundred-year history of White Rock City, the highest level of talent among city lords had only reached the fifth grade source pool, absorbing 16 strands of Heaven‘s Fate Energy. No matter how strong these two young ladies were... could they surpass that?
The city lord's words were correct, there was no need to worry too much...
"You stay here and keep watch, I'll go check on them..."
Dispelling the unrealistic thoughts of his subordinate, Yu Longqing was about to leave the room when he felt the entire room flickering rapidly, as if it had turned into a dance floor with neon lights flashing non-stop. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ɴøvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.
He quickly turned his head.
He saw that the Spirit Source Bamboo, which had just been dark green, was now continuously flashing under the formation. In just over ten breaths, hundreds of leaves had simultaneously turned yellow and fallen to the ground, scattering everywhere.